Douglas E. Powell "The Iron Coast" (Twister Valley Records, 2008)

Not quite there yet

"Fairbanks City Transit System", the track which opens this album, stands as a fine example of what to expect despite its instrumental nature. The gently strummed guitar, harmonica and ethereal slide generate a haunting atmosphere without ever really gaining enough traction to fully draw the listener in. It's a recurring problem throughout the album. The arrangements remain spare even on the more forceful numbers and the effect veers between effectively haunting and simply too drab. Meanwhile, even against such backing, the controlled melancholy of Powell's voice is sometimes overwhelmed and the whole affair can seem very distant.

Yet there is still much to admire here. Powell's songwriting aims at a fusion between English and American folk influences with some success. It has the unique wistful quality that such a combination tends to produce, whilst at his most English there are hints of Roy Harper or Richard Thompson. He is certainly a deft songwriter, exhibiting a distinctive lyrical sensibility on "Ballad of the Roman Road" or "England's Great Waterways" and able to craft an interesting hook. In many cases, the stripped down production augments these songs but overall there needs to be just a little more colour and momentum to make the album truly compelling.

Date review added:  Monday, December 08, 2008
Reviewer:  Kai Roberts
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Artist's website